December 2, 2003

Toback Reminds Residents to Reduce this Winter’s Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Deputy Presiding Officer Jeffrey Toback (D-Oceanside) encourages residents to educate themselves to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Frostbite, hypothermia and slips and falls are all common dangers of this bitter cold season; however, homeowners tend to forget about the hidden, silent danger located right within their homes. Carbon Monoxide, often referred to as the silent killer, is an invisible, odorless gas which replaces oxygen in the bloodstream and is fatal.

“This winter, homeowners can greatly reduce the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning just by installing detectors and taking a few precautions, particularly with wintertime heating devices”, stated Legislator Toback. Carbon monoxide is present in a home if a gas appliance is not vented properly, and it also can come from a gas kitchen range used for heating or from a furnace with a flame that isn’t adjusted properly. Any gas appliance is considered a potential and threatening source.

“The most frequent type of carbon monoxide poisoning happens when home heating devices malfunction”, added Legislator Toback.” “That’s why, experts recommend a once-per-year inspection for each home’s gas furnace, clothes dryer, stove, water heater, fireplace and other gas appliances.”

The following is a list of simple precautions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• All fuel-burning appliances: such as furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers are properly installed, maintained, operated, and inspected periodically as recommended.
• Fireplace chimneys and flues are periodically checked and cleaned.
• Unvented fuel-burning space heaters are used only while someone is awake to monitor them, and doors or windows in the room are open to provide ventilation.
• Automobile exhaust systems, including catalytic converters, are routinely inspected for defects, and tailpipes are routinely inspected for blockage by snow, mud, or other substances.
• Carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and maintained in homes, houseboats, workplaces, and other appropriate places; carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in hallways near sleeping areas.
• Swimming and other recreational activities take place in areas away from where gasoline-powered engines vent their exhaust.
• Portable electricity generators are not used in enclosed areas or in areas where the exhaust may vent into a home.
• Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home and never use a grill, lantern, or camping stove inside a home, tent or camper. Never run a gas-powered engine in an enclosed space.
• If you have an attached garage, make sure the insulation barrier within the walls adjacent to the house was properly installed to prevent carbon monoxide fumes from leaking into a living area.
• Never warm up a car engine in an attached garage with the garage doors closed.

“Make sure that your Carbon Monoxide Detector meets the most recent requirements of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the International Approval Services standard, added Toback.” “By following these simple rules you can protect the health of yourself and your family this holiday season.” If you would like any further information on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning you can call the Nassau County Health Department at 516-571-3410 or Legislator Toback at 516-571-6207.